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Original poster

Why no men at events like MWR?

37 replies

FlamingoBingo · 02/02/2011 12:16

Sorry, another naive question! A friend has asked why there are no men at events like these - what's the answer!?

OP posts:
dittany · 02/02/2011 16:01

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sethstarkaddersmackerel · 02/02/2011 15:04

One thing I found very moving about the RTN march I went on last year was the way it is set up with male supporters joining the march towards the end of the route - the symbolism worked very well. And marches are in part theatre.

ElephantsAndMiasmas · 02/02/2011 13:42

Yeah, that's why RTN is a bit different to MWR. :o

LadyBlaBlah · 02/02/2011 13:33

I think it is the point of the RTN is to say women should be safe to walk the streets at night without men

That's the point of it, so by having men there would kind of divert the message.

ElephantsAndMiasmas · 02/02/2011 13:26

Yes I think the central point of having e.g. Reclaim the Night as women only is for women, to reclaim the streets at night :o But the point that women who are there (probably even more than women in general) are fairly likely to have experienced male violence, are likely to find it easier to walk together surrounded by other women, rather than men who may be a threat. I'm not saying that all men, or most men, are a threat btw. But some are,and keeping RTN or MWR as "safe spaces" for women to speak (or shout) out is the most important thing.

I knowhat you mean dittany but I think it's possible to feel overly suspicious, because I'm lucky enough to know men who would genuinely like to come along and support the cause of women's rights, but currently don't have many outlets to do so.

Original poster
FlamingoBingo · 02/02/2011 12:57

I think she just doesn't understand, Dittany...or is defensive of her DH who behaves like a decent human being. Mine does too, but I am too aware that he is in a minority. This is just supposition, though - I am going to ask her next time (unless she reads this threads and posts on it!) why she feels it's such a big issue.

I think your middle paragraph is helpful though. I have lent her my copy of Reclaiming the F-Word, which I've just finished. She is keen to understand it.

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dittany · 02/02/2011 12:45

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dittany · 02/02/2011 12:44

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Original poster
FlamingoBingo · 02/02/2011 12:43

Yup! Same one! She's being very useful in letting me practice honing my arguments! I am aware I'm sounding like when you ask something embarrassing 'for a friend' though Grin

Re. the initial question. I did say that to her, but she still doesn't really get it (and neither do I, if I'm honest - I'm just more willing to accept that a big group of women is a good thing). She did say that, for instance, 'People for Women' wouldn't sound as good as 'Women for Women' Grin but she questions the actual point of excluding men - what it acheives?

OP posts:
ElephantsAndMiasmas · 02/02/2011 12:40

Her again, Flamingo? :o

I think there is room for more mixed events to support women's rights.

BUT I think that MWR is all women, because it's called, er, Million Women Rise, and wants to create a powerful message to women in the UK and worldwide, that women can come out onto the streets and be strong, be together, shout, march and take over the city/world :)

It's because it's a general protest march I think. The whole point of it is that women are doing it.

If it were a march on a specific issue e.g. No Recourse to Public Funds then I would hope to see both men and women marching together.

Original poster
FlamingoBingo · 02/02/2011 12:37

But why? My friend wonders what we are achieving by excluding a potentially large number of supporters.

Honestly, this is not me asking this question, but I still don't know enough to argue the point with her coherently! She's giving me good practice though Grin

OP posts:
dittany · 02/02/2011 12:26

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